Academic Policies

Dennis Bratcher, Professor

These are the academic policies that I will follow in most classes. For policies in specific courses, consult the course syllabus.

Attendance Policy

In most cases, the nature of the material and the importance of class interaction make regular attendance and participation in class imperative. The attendance policies of the University as outlined in the most recent school catalog will be followed. There are no excused absences unless directly related to University activities and approved in writing by the Provost/Academic Dean.

Any student who misses 10% of the class (MWF=5; TR=3) will be warned by e-mail and a report to the Vice-Provost for Academic Administration/Academic Dean that de-enrollment is pending. If absences reach 20% of the course (MWF=9; TR=6) the student will automatically be de-enrolled. Note that de-enrollment after the last day for dropping a class will result in a grade of F or NC. Absences are counted from the first day of class regardless of the time the student enrolled in the class. Excessive tardiness or leaving class early will count as an absence. It is the student’s responsibility to sign the roll sheet and/or to inform the professor if s/he came to class after the roll had been taken.

If extra credit work is offered, only students who have not missed more than 3 hours of class (MWF=3 class periods; TR=2 class periods) will be allowed to count extra credit points in their grade.

Technology Policy

Cell phones should be turned off or to silent mode during class. Answering a phone during class will be considered leaving class. Students with any kind of audio headset (phone or music) in class will be counted absent.

Academic Honesty

Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Please consult the school catalog to learn the professor’s intended policy regarding student dishonesty in academic work. Academic Dishonesty on an assignment will result in an automatic F on that assignment without the possibility of making up the assignment. A second violation will result in dismissal from the course with a grade of F. Signing roll sheets for another student is considered a breach of academic integrity and will result in an automatic absence for both students.

ESL Policy

If your first language is not English, consult with the professor for possible accommodations.

Learning Disability Assistance:

All students are expected to meet the standards for this course as set by the instructor. However, students with learning disabilities who have submitted appropriate documentation to the Academic Support Center (ASC) and may need accommodations should discuss options with the ASC during the first two weeks of the class. The ASC, at the request of the student, will then contact the instructor with suggested classroom strategies and recommended academic accommodations for this course. Approved documentation must be on file in the ASC prior to the beginning of the semester.

Inclusive Language Policy:

The School of Theology and Christian Ministry/Religion Department is committed to the equality of women and men. Recognizing that people have often used the English language in ways that imply the exclusion or inferiority of women, the department urges students, faculty and staff to avoid sexist language in public discourse, in classroom discussion, and in their writings.

Miscellaneous

1. It is the responsibility of the student to read the syllabus and fulfill the requirements of particular assignments and the course. Excuses such as “I didn’t know” will not be accepted.

2. All assigned work is due at the beginning of class on the day due. Except under extenuating circumstances, late work will receive only 80% credit. Work more than one week late may not be accepted. No late work or extra credit work will not be accepted after December 1.

3. Because of a large number of students, all written assignments must be submitted in hard copy in class. The Eclass/Blackboard dropbox is not available for use at this time.

4. Students should arrange their schedules to insure that they take examinations at the scheduled time. In no case may any exam be taken early, and make up tests will be permitted only in very extraordinary circumstances and only with prior approval (8:00 AM the day of the exam will not normally be considered “prior”). Students do not have the option of choosing when to take exams. “Not feeling well” will NOT be considered a valid reason for missing an exam! Make-up tests will be at the discretion of the professor. Normally, an exam not taken at the scheduled time will only receive 50% credit. Students should not make travel plans at the end of the semester that interfere with the final no matter when it is scheduled.

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